Acrobat is PAINFULLY slow to edit doc

[adobpkn]

I opened a PDF created by another company and simply wanted to delete a few fields and add a company logo.  The app is so slow I can barely use it...  Just to move the logo I've pasted using the arrow keys is an excruciatingly slow process.  Moving left or right or up or down "5 clicks" can take 30 seconds.  Seriously adsurd...  I.e.  Get up and walk away from the machine while it is trying to move an image within the document or even simply scroll.

Yes, my machine can handle this app.  Brand new iMac w/ 256gb of ram.  Acrobat acts like I'm using an Intel Pentium from the mid-90s.  I run Illustrator all day / every day without an issue.  Acrobat is unusable.

Surely there's a solution???????

[Amal. · Accepted solution]

Hey Daniel

we are sorry for the trouble. 

Please make sure that you have the latest version of the application (20.006.20042) Go to Help > Check for Updates.

If it still doesn't work please try the following steps

• Remove the application using the Acrobat Cleaner Tool (https://labs.adobe.com/downloads/acrobatcleaner.html)
• Reboot the computer 
• Reinstall the application using the link (https://helpx.adobe.com/in/download-install/kb/acrobat-downloads.html)

If it still doesn't work, please create a new test user profile with full admin rights or enable the root account in mac (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204012) and try using the application there and check

Let us know how it goes

Regards

Amal

[AnandSri]

Hey Daniel!

I am really sorry for the delayed response and for the trouble you had. Would it be possible to share the sample PDF files in a Private message only so that we can test it at our end?

Also, collect the process monitor logs for the machines on which you are experiencing this issue for further investigation. Download the Process Monitor tool, run it, try reproducing the issue, save the log files. 

Upload it to the Document Cloud storage, generate the share link and send it in the private message only.

Would it be possible to share the source/original file from which the PDFs are generated? Also the name and version of the application along with the workflow/steps?

Which method are you using to copy the text from the PDF files? Are you using the selection tool to highlight any text in the PDF file and paste it in the same PDF or somewhere else?

Or is the application is freezing when you are in a specific tool and trying to copy the text for example in the Edit tool?

I have also sent you a private message with few more instructions, please check your email inbox and share the logs and sample files.

Thanks for your time and patience thus far.

Regards,

Anand Sri.

[Edited response]

[SJ A AL22819637p5bk]

Its still slow, after I applied above rectification. Could you please advise. 

[compumatter]

Yes. Read this post.  Wouldn't bother jumping through the hoops as a result.  Typical bloated software.  No way to solve.  

[spec24]

Can you update your Acrobat Cleaner link? It doesn't go anywhere.

[therealgingernob]

Hi Amal,

i know the post is really old but its the answer with most hits for my problem. it is exactly as described and i made the changes to my preferences as stated in a very early post by you regarding changing prefs to turn off protective mode etc. this is the solution for me..turning protective mode off and acrobat runs like a dream once more. BUT why have i got to turn off security measures, just to mske the app work correctly. as so much time has passed, is there a better solution?

im win 10 build 19044.1826 up-to-date

acrobat pro v.2022.001.20169 64bit also up-to-date and fully uninstalled and re-installed that didnt solve the problem. only switching off protective mode does it.

any help appreciated.

David

[Malik5E2E]

I have the same issue and I don't have the installation media any longer. Can I download the installation files and where in the installed Acrobat X Pro (10.1.16) will I find the registration info to reinstall and register again?

[therealgingernob · Accepted solution]

the solution was changing the preferences, as documented earlier in the case. it did not require uninstall / reinstall.

[marshal34201677zje5]

This is not acceptable , Adobe has no problem collecting their fee but they foist a usless product upon us for years . I have tried every fix with no improvement . This is not useable and you should not be charging us for it or maybe YOU SHOULD FIX IT !

[Amal.]

Hi there

Please update the application to the new version 23.08.2042X from the help menu . Check for updates and reboot the computer once and see if that works.

Let us know how it goes.

~Amal

[gregoryu62256977]

I'm just going to cancel. This is the most dreadful method of editing a document. And they have the nerve to charge $9.99 a month while offering the most insignificant unhelpful solutions such as uninstalling and reinstalling. 

Get a clue Adobe. Charging to edit a doc means it should work, really well. I shouldn't have to read pages of documentation to speed up a text editor. 

Uninstall and unsubscribe. This has been going on for years, its obvious Adobe has no intention of fixing this. 

[annette_5595]

Have you found a better program to do what Adobe is suppose to do? Cause I've been having the same issues for years and I'm paying $20/mo and for what?

[compumatter]

Yes.  Nitro PDF.  You'll never look back.   https://www.gonitro.com/

[PMitsos]

It is now 2025, I have the latest app and a brand new Dell laptop, and PDFS take TOO F***ING LONG TO EDIT.  TEXT BOXES DONT MOVE!!!!  I can't even bring in the right side to increase my margin.  Every F***ING THING I need to do is taking hours!!!  This is NOT TENABLE!!!

YOUR COMPANY SUCKS.  I WASTE $15 /MONTH to use it on my phone as well, and it sucks there too.  But surely, with all the money I spend on software, and Microsoft 365, etc., this f***ing Adobe software SUCKS!!!

[AnandSri]

Hello @PMitsos!

I hope you are doing well, and we apologise for the trouble you had.

Do you experience this issue with a specific PDF, or is it with all the PDF files where the test boxes are not moving and the app is slow while editing? Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: 25.001.20458 Planned update, Apr 15, 2025. Check for any pending updates from the Menu > help > check for updates, install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and check. For more information, see this: https://adobe.ly/42Dcv9V;

Turn Off GPU Rendering (Hardware Acceleration): 

• Open Acrobat

• Go to Menu > Preferences > Page Display

• Uncheck "Use page cache" and "Use 2D graphics acceleration"

• Click OK and restart Acrobat.

Enable "Use Touch Mode" or set it to "Auto-Detect." Sometimes, Acrobat defaults to a touch layout, which can mess with how objects and text boxes respond. Go to Menu > View > Display > Touch Mode. Set it to Auto-Detect or Never.

For testing purposes, Disable Protected Mode by going to Menu > Preferences > Security (Enhanced), Unchecking Enable Protected Mode at startup, and Enabling Enhanced Security. Restart the app and try again. Please enable the security settings after the test.

If the issue persists, please use the cleaner tool to remove the installed app, restart the machine, ensure all the operating system's mandatory and optional updates are installed, and download Acrobat. 

If you feel that the app is still slow, please share the file affected, the current OS version, and the machine's logs for further investigation.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[SJ A AL22819637p5bk]

Please guide acrobat pro dc is too slow even when you are reading pdfs related to drawings. what can be done ??

[MediaAlpha5E6E]

I tried and this garbage is extremely slow.  Too much money for a software that needs A LOT of improvement.  OVERRATED!

[bradprobst]

100% and still is as of 10.19.23.  Maybe even worse.

[Amal.]

Hi there

Would you mind sharing the version of the Acrobat Pro and the OS you are using? To check the version go to Help > About Acrobat?

Is this an issue with a particulr PDF file or with all the PDFs? Please try with a different file and see if that works. A small video recording of the workflow and the issue would be very helpful.

Also, make sure you have the Acrobat updated to the latest version 23.06.20360. Go to help > check for updates and reboot the computer.

Thanks

Amal

[bradprobst]

Pro 2023.006.20360

The entire program for several years on at least 2 laptops. 

I have auto-updates.

This basic customer service crap won't fix poor design.

[Amal.]

Hi there,

If you are on the new Acrobat, we acknowledge that it represents a notable change; however, we hope that as you get familiar with the new interface, you can be more productive and get more out of Acrobat.

We are actively working on all the feedbacks and we will address them with the highest priority.

If your critical workflows are impacted, you can switch to the old UI from the “Menu” on the top left corner of Windows and View Menu on MacOS.  For more info about the new Acrobat please check the page https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/learn-about-new-acrobat/td-p/14078856

~Amal

[gregoryu62256977]

Why on earth would a 5 year post, with a 10 year problem, be solved by updating to the latest version? I cant believe you posted this as a solution, are you kidding me?! I have the latest version, its July 2024 and this problem still persists. 

Changed settings

Updated

Unistalled and reinstalled

Signed my soul over to Adobe

Still - when I type there is a 5-10 second delay. 

Goodbye Adobe. Its hard to leave you but you're just so obtuse. 

[Derek24943645u4oz]

PAINFULLY SLOW! It takes me hours to create or edit a Adobe PDF! I need this to make a living, I get tired before half way through my work! Going to try another PDF brand and cancel. Tried all the fixes and it starts slowing up again half way through my work. (as of 10-29-2024).

[S. S]

Hi @Derek24943645u4oz,

Hope you are doing well. Sorry for the trouble.

Please try to repair the installation from the help menu (Win Only) and reboot the computer once, and check.

You may also try to reset the Acrobat preferences as described here https://adobe.ly/3NMBFMq...

Please go to Edit > Preferences > Page Display > Under rendering, Uncheck 'Use Page Cache' > Click OK and reboot the application and see if that works for you

Let us know how it goes. 

Please ensure that you are on the latest version of the application (24.004.202xx) for the best experience. To check for updates, go to Menu-> Help-> Check for updates.

-Souvik

[SJ A AL22819637p5bk]

Adobe Acrobat offers a comprehensive suite of PDF tools but falls short due to its frustratingly slow editing performance. Simple tasks become tedious, and resource demands lead to system lag on older devices. The shift to a costly subscription model adds to the frustration. While it remains a go-to choice for PDF management, users should explore alternative editors for speedier editing. Adobe must address this critical performance issue to maintain its status as an industry leader in PDF software

[bob3054983]

We concur.  We use Adobe Acrobat Pro and editing pdfs while sometimes responsive, it eventually bogs down and starts to lag like an oldschool 90's machine which creates a dreadful user experience and it craters productivity.  There really is no excuse for this.